Tom Brady got the last laugh at St. Andrew’s on Monday. Birmingham City beat Wrexham 3-1 in a third-tier English soccer match dubbed the ‘Hollywood Derby.’
However, he was met with ruthless heckling upon arrival to the historic stadium for the rivalry bout.
Brady purchased a small share in Birmingham through owner Knighthead Capital Management in 2023. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney bought Wrexham in 2020. As a result, Monday’s match was deemed as the biggest in League One history.
Brady, McElhenney and David Beckham were among those in attendance. It was a star-studded affair!
The seven-time Super Bowl champion authorized the biggest transfer in League One history over the summer when Birmingham spent €15 million to land Premier League forward Jay Stansfied from Fulham. His decision paid off in a big way.
Stansfield scored twice with Brady in town to lift his side to victory over McElhenney and Wrexham.
"And that's why you pay the big bucks!"
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) September 16, 2024
Jay Stansfield has another and Birmingham take the lead 🎯 pic.twitter.com/z8tI55WDRZ
It was a rather heated match that saw tempers flare during the second half. Brady loved the scrap.
Brady applauding the scuffle😂 #bcfc pic.twitter.com/attelbK6Pe
— mil’ (@milevans_) September 16, 2024
Even though the game was played at St. Andrews, the Wrexham contingency traveled well to the sold-out match. A crowd of close to 30,000 packed into the stands.
Approximately 3,000 visitors made the trip. They packed into the supporters’ section and made their voices heard, even in defeat, though spirits were much higher before kickoff. Chants of “Who the f— are you?!” rained down on Brady as he walked by.
Tom Brady getting a Wrexham welcome. pic.twitter.com/hNUUVJE72T
— Simon Johnson (@simonwxm) September 16, 2024
Although the victory tied Birmingham City with first-place Wrexham in terms of wins, the latter remains on top of League One standings on account of goal differential. Tom Brady should make the trip overseas more often because the raucous environment played a large role in the victory.
The crowd was energized, the team was ready to play, and they got the result they wanted!